New Hampshire had slave plantations too. Modern research now shows that that wealthy northern families also kept enslaved Africans as laborers and servants as in the South. The Langdon family of Portsmouth were among the families most dependent on slave labor. John Langdon, NH’s first governor, eventually "freed" his slaves and rehired them as laborers at a minimal wage. Here is their story at last.
We have many portraits of the aristocratic Langdons, including "abolitionist" and revolutionary patriot John Landgon. But there is not a single portrait of their many slaves. Until recently our view of NH's first governor John Langdon was unidimensional. We know he built the famous early ships Ranger and Raleigh for John Paul Jones, led the raid on Fort William and Mary, hosted George Washington in his downtown mansion that still stands today. Now, through the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail, we see more of the Langdon family and their relationship with the slaves who worked the early family farm and handled the domestic tasks.
Historian Valerie Cunningham uses this chapter in our online series on slavery in Portsmouth, NH to visit the segregated Langdon slave burial ground and to introduce the characters by name (Hannah, Pomp, Nanne, Violet, Scipio). She also explores the rarely discussed topic of African-American slaves on farms in New England. (JDR)
CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE By historian Valerie Cunningham
Jump to Part 1 Slaves on Northern Farms
Langdon Slave Burial Ground
The Langdons and their Slaves
Jump to Part 2 Agricultural Slavery in Colonial Portsmouth
Other Examples of Agricultural Slavery
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
We have many portraits of the aristocratic Langdons, including "abolitionist" and revolutionary patriot John Landgon. But there is not a single portrait of their many slaves. Until recently our view of NH's first 
